Radiocrafts launches world’s first KNX-RF Multi module for building automation

RC1180-KNX2 is the world's first RF module including a complete KNX-RF Multi protocol stack.
The KNX-RF Multi is an extension of the European Norm for building automation adding redundancy and increased reliability. The main features of the new Multi standard is; frequency agility by using up to 5 frequencies, fast link acknowledgement of up to 64 receivers with automatic retransmission, and multi-hop repeaters extending the range by two hops. Battery operated transmitters and receivers are also supported by the new standard. The embedded protocol is backward compatible with KNX-RF 1.1 and KNX Ready, and can be used for unidirectional and bidirectional devices.

The new module is designed for sensors, actuators and other home and building automation equipment. Due to its small size, easy to use interface, complete embedded protocol and low power consumption, it can easily be integrated into any product making a very cost efficient solution.
Radiocrafts is a member of the KNX Association and has participated in the development of the new standard. KNX is one of the leading standards for home and building control. The interest for such systems is increasing, meeting the demands for energy saving technology. Studies have shown up to 50% energy savings using KNX technology.

Radiocrafts is also considered as one of the leaders in Wireless M-Bus technology, and the new KNX product series gives the customers an easy transition to KNX with compatible products. Interoperation between Wireless M-Bus and KNX-RF is also possible using the new module.

The module operates in the 868 MHz band, using Listen Before Talk (LBT) and frequency agility to reduce collisions. Up to 5 frequencies are scanned and automatically selected. One receiver can be linked with up to 64 transmitters, enabling very large RF networks. The fast acknowledge and retransmission feature ensure link reliability. Complete repeater functionality is also built in the protocol stack, and can retransmit messages in two hops. It can be used with S, A and E modes of installation. Among other features, the module offer automatic battery supervision and signal strength information.

The new RC1180-KNX2 is a surface-mounted high performance transceiver module measuring only 12.7 x 25.4 x 3.3 mm. A UART interface is used for serial communication and configuration. An antenna is connected directly to the RF pin. The RC1180-KNX2 module is certified for operation under the European radio regulations for license-free use. When used with quarter-wave antennas a line-of-sight range of 800 meter can be achieved.

“By launching the first KNX-RF Multi module in the market, we have again demonstrated our technological leadership in embedded wireless solutions. KNX-RF Multi is a green technology, enabling smart building automation systems that help to reduce energy consumption. Together with Wireless M-Bus, the standard for remote energy meter reading, these are technologies promising a better future”, says Peder Martin Evjen, Managing Director.

“The new features make KNX-RF Multi the most robust and reliable wireless protocol for building management systems in the market. The trend in building automation is to go wireless due to lower installation cost, ease of use and flexibility. Building automation equipment manufacturers and building management system integrators can now get a complete KNX-RF Multi solution in a small compact module form-factor that is easy to integrate and which significantly reduce time-to-market, development and compliance testing cost”, says Tom Sjølie, Sales and Marketing Director.
The module and Demo Kits are available now.